Notifications

Adebayor accepts violent conduct charges

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is facing at least a three-match ban after accepting a charge of violent and improper conduct against former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie in last weekend's Premier League match.

The Associated Press · September 16, 2009

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is facing at least a three-match ban after accepting a charge of violent and improper conduct against former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie in last weekend's Premier League match.

Adebayor "reluctantly accepted" the Football Association charge, City said Wednesday.

Van Persie sustained a cut to his face and claimed Adebayor had acted in a "malicious" manner during City's 4-2 victory on Saturday.

"The player strongly maintains that he did not intend to act in a violent manner," City said. "He apologized on the day to Robin van Persie personally and to the wider public for the outcome of the challenge."

Providing the automatic ban is confirmed Thursday when the FA's Disciplinary Panel meets, the Togo international will miss Sunday's derby against Manchester United, a League Cup match against Fulham and a Premier League clash with West Ham.

City manager Mark Hughes is now facing a striker crisis for Sunday's match against United, with only Craig Bellamy of his front-line forwards likely to be available. Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz and Benjani Mwaruwari are all injured and Carlos Tevez is rated extremely doubtful to face his old club.

Adebayor has also been charged by the FA over his goal celebration when he ran the length of the field toward Arsenal fans, who reacted violently and had to be kept under control by police and stewards. City has until Sept. 30 to respond to that charge.